"Actually," Barkley interjected, pulling the conversation back to the crux of the deal, "from the way Jake structured this trade, it seems clear that his ambition might go beyond just a single championship. But why are you so quick to give this an A+ rating?"
"Let's break down what the Kings actually gave up," O'Neal began, holding up the transaction list and ticking each asset off on his fingers. "On the surface, trading seven assets for one player like Butler looks like a big investment, sure. But take a closer look, and you'll see that not all those seven pieces are all that valuable."
"First off, there's the Kings' mid-level exception," he explained. "This was something the Kings were going to use anyway, but instead of including someone like Young or Gay to match salaries, they used it to avoid giving up a rotation player. And let's be honest, cash is the league's least valuable trade asset."
O'Neal moved to the remaining assets. "Then there's LaVine. Yes, he's been impressive this season, especially stepping up after CJ went down. But I still have reservations. His performance so far is a small sample size. The jury's still out on his potential to become a real star."
"Alright, that's two down. What about those four draft picks?" Barkley asked.
O'Neal continued, "The most valuable piece here is the unprotected first-round pick in 2019. It's hard to gauge its worth right now, but with strong draft classes expected in 2018 and 2019, this pick could be significant."
"But here's something most people might overlook," Barkley jumped in, catching O'Neal's attention. "Notice that all the picks in this trade belong to the Kings. Jake didn't use the Knicks' or Wizards' picks that he had in his pocket."
"Exactly," O'Neal nodded. "In trades, teams typically part with other teams' picks first. But by giving up their own, Jake is sending a message—he has confidence in the Kings' future. With players like CJ, Jokic, Booker, and Ben on Bird rights, Sacramento has the foundation for long-term success. He's banking on these young talents maturing together and turning the Kings into a dominant Western Conference team."
"If that's the case," Barkley added, looking intrigued, "then what the Kings are effectively trading is LaVine, a late first-rounder, a likely unused swap option, and a couple of minor second-rounders. And in return, they get Butler?"
O'Neal grinned. "Now you see why I gave this trade an A+. The Kings are stacking their roster with proven playoff talent without sacrificing their future flexibility."
Meanwhile, at the Sacramento airport, Jake and Coach Malone were waiting at the arrival gate. "You know, I just got back, and here you are dragging me back to the airport," Jake quipped, pulling his coat tighter against the cold draft that swept through the terminal. "You'd think the so-called 'most developed country in the world' could afford heating at their airport," he muttered, his breath visible in the cold.
Malone laughed. "With the way things are going, everyone here knows who the real boss is—you have that 'GM clout' now. Most execs don't get this kind of recognition until years in. You're already in the same conversation as guys like Riley and Ainge."
Jake smirked, playfully defensive. "With great power comes great responsibility, Coach." He gave a mock shiver, adjusting his coat.
In the terminal, they weren't the only ones waiting. Fans and reporters crowded the arrivals area, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sacramento's newest acquisition. The buzz of cameras was unmistakable, and Jake shifted uncomfortably, still unused to public attention.
"Here he comes!" someone shouted. The crowd stirred, pushing forward to get a view. Jake and Malone shared a quick look and moved closer to the crowd's edge. They were waved through by the airport staff, who recognized them by now.
Emerging from the crowd, Jimmy Butler strode forward in a black hoodie, black woolen hat, and headphones, his imposing frame cutting through the bustle.
"Jimmy! Welcome to Sacramento!" Malone greeted, extending a hand. Butler removed his headphones, shaking Malone's hand with a nod of respect. After exchanging quick pleasantries, Malone gestured to Jake.
"This is our general manager, Jake Allen. He's the man you'll be working with to take this team to the next level."
Surprise flickered across Butler's face. It wasn't every day that both the head coach and GM met a player at the airport. In his years with the Bulls, Butler had grown accustomed to a certain formality, even distance, with management. This reception was different—there was a sense of genuine respect here. His guard softened slightly, and a hint of gratitude emerged behind his usually vigilant expression.
Jake, already aware of Butler's backstory, knew that trust and respect were crucial for Jimmy. Butler's tough upbringing had cultivated resilience but also a fierce pride that few understood fully.
Jake took a step forward and met Butler's eyes with a steady look. "Welcome, Jimmy. From today on, this is your team."
The words hit Butler like a revelation, echoing in his mind. "Our goal this year is the Western Conference Finals," Jake continued. "We've got a young roster without much playoff experience, and they need a leader. We're counting on you."
Butler blinked, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. In a league where he'd often felt overlooked, he was suddenly being offered a pivotal role—a role he'd worked his entire career to earn.
Could it be real? Was he really stepping into the spotlight as the leader of a playoff team?
As the three of them left the airport together, Jake and Malone took Butler to a temporary apartment the team had arranged for him. After giving him a rundown of the setup, Malone added, "We've got a game tomorrow. You just joined us, so take a day or two to rest. We'll get you integrated smoothly."
Butler, however, was already shaking his head. "Coach, I don't need rest. Please, let me play tomorrow."
Malone and Jake exchanged amused glances. For Butler, "rest" was clearly the last thing on his mind. He was ready, and the Kings were, too. Sacramento had given him a stage, and now, with the crowd behind him and his new teammates by his side, he was about to lead them forward into uncharted territory.